EXCHANGE STUDENT-TEACHERS TO TEACH IN CLSU AS CED PARTICIPATES IN SEAMEO SEA TEACHER PROJECT

CLIRDEC CONFERENCE ROOM, CENTRAL LUZON STATE UNVERSITY--The Central Luzon State University-College of Education (CLSU-CEd) welcomes the international exchange student-teachers from Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia during the Orientation for Inbound Student-teachers on Friday, February 7, 2020. Exchange student-teachers Yuka Fuji and Maori Sato from University of Tsukuba (UT), Japan, Paween Waksung and Puttipong Kosasang from Khon Kaen University (KKU), Thailand, Azahra Hana Fadila Bastamman and Siti Kurnia Nurjanah from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) will be deployed to DEPED-CLSU Elementary (Laboratory) School and University Science High School (USHS) for their 30-day practice teaching. They are participants of the SEA Teacher Project or the “Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia, a project that aims to provide opportunity for pre-service student-teachers from universities to have teaching experiences in schools in Southeast Asian countries. This project is under the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) as they work towards improving the quality of education in Southeast Asia through building and strengthening capacity of teachers in the region. The student-teachers were welcomed by the College of Education faculty led by CEd Dean Dr. Regidor G. Gaboy and USHS Principal Dr. Mercedita M. Reyes. Also in attendance are Dr. Ingrid F. Calanno, Coordinator for ASEAN International Mobility for Students (AIMS), and personnel from the International Affairs office. Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, Dean of the College of Fisheries, graced the event in lieu of Dr. Renato G. Reyes, Vice President for Academic Affairs. She emphasized the importance of mobility and internationalization, and gave an overview of what to expect throughout the practice teaching experience. “Here, students will experience a new culture and you will develop as a person. This is a kind of exchange of information, exchange of culture, exchange of behavior…It’s a learning experience…It’s going to be an adventure. It’s going to be a nice change in study environment,” Dr. Velasco stated. The student-teachers were also given a background and introduction of CLSU and CEd, as well as the basic information they need in order to prepare themselves in their immersion. “They welcomed us very nicely and we are very thankful. We even had this food. I’m enjoying all the Filipino culture because we don’t have this kind of food there. I’m also very impressed with this welcoming atmosphere, so, thank you,” Yuka Fuji said. When asked about his expectations, Paween Waksung said, “Of course...I want to improve my skills.” Siti Nurjannah expressed excitement to teach high school students in USHS. Azahra Bastamman, also added, “I am so curious to teach in here, and of course I am so excited to spend my days in CLSU.” CEd has sent six pre-service teachers to the said universities which include Mc Kenly V. Cordero and Krisel Joy Agripa, both Secondary Education students for UT, Dan Maximo A. Yumol and Deborah V. Lina, both Elementary Education for KKU, Belen D. Hernandez and Crystal Jeanne B. Labarda, both Elementary Education students for UPI. “We take pride in being selected as one of the participants for this pilot project. Our students will be able to have international exposure in the field of teaching. This activity could also lead us to further strengthen our partnership with University of Tsukuba and establish linkages with Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia and Khon Kaen University,” Dr. Gaboy said.